Happy Birthday Madalyn #2

Tonight we were invited to T.J. and Jill's to celebrate Madalyn's Birthday! She is such a cute little girl, and is always so happy. She is such a talker to. She is so smart, she can say pretty much every word, and talks very well.

It was alot of fun to be invited to this fun family event. T.J. and Jill provided all the food for a B-B-Q. The kids all got along and had alot of fun with each other, as usual. It was alot of fun to be part of this special day!! Happy Birthday Madalyn! We love you!!

Happy #17 Sarah Anne Bowen!!

Today Sarah turns 17! I can hardly believe she is growing so fast. She is such a beautiful girl, and we are so lucky to be so close with her.

We decided to go up to the Bowen's house tonight and give Sarah her present, and hang out with them for a little while. It was alot of fun to visit and spend time with the Bowen's. Grandma Cleo an Gary stopped over to wish Sarah a Happy Birthday as well, while we were there, so the boy' had the chance to say Hello to them as well.

Tiffani made such a good treat for Sarah's cake this year. (you can see it in the pictures) It had fresh fruit, a cream cheese frosting, all on a sugar cookie crust. It was so YuMmY!!

Happy Birthday Sarah!! You are such a cutie, and we love you tons!

First Place in the Region, Now on to State

We were so excited tonight as we sat and waited for the names to be read in the 3-D Art division, for the Region Reflections Contest. First they read the Honorable Mention, then the 2 Awards of Merit, and last they read the Winner/Award of Excellence from each category.

As we sat and waited Jake got more and more nervous. When he didn't hear his name called for the Honorable Mention he looked at me, surprised. Next when he didn't hear his name for the Award of Merit, he once again looked at me. This time his eye's were open wide. Last they named the Award of Excellence and called Jake Toone, from Farr West Elementary. Jake almost flew out of his seat.

We were all so excited for him. Jackson was jumping up and down,

Travis did some fist pumps, and Mom started shacking so bad, with excitement, I wasn't sure if I was going to cry or pass out!

It was so exciting to watch as Jake walked across the stage shacking hands with all the principles and school board members. The lady in charge mentioned that she had more entries in this category than she had ever had this year, which made me even more proud of the work Jake has done. He really is so talented. It was even cool to be able to snap a shot with Jake and his principle Mr. Dave Wallace. He was excited for Jake as well, and for representing Farr West.

I was surprised to know how many schools he was is competition with. He is in the Intermediate group, so he is judged with kids in 6th to 8th grade.
That is a big span in itself, but to hear that he had won out of all the schools in the Weber County and Ogden City School Districts was AMAZING to me. There are 92 schools in that area with kids in this age group. WoW!!! That's alot of schools.

Jake is so excited to have come so far, and being a Mom, a very happy Mom at that. I have told Jake before each award night, " Be happy with how well you have done, and where you are. There are alot of kids that are part of this, and if you don't win, don't be sad, be glad for the achievements you have made." Jake says "I know Mom, I am, you always tell me that, and I don't expect to win.....but it would be really cool!!" Yes, it would be really cool!!

On to State, and who knows maybe Washington D.C.! Good Luck Jake, we LoVe you!!

Super Size my Snowflakes, Please.....

Tonight as we were watching T.V. I got up to let our dog Gus, out to go to the bathroom, and this is what I saw. I immediately told the boys to come and see these HUGE snow flakes.

When they saw how big they were they ran and got their coats and boots on so that they could go outside and play in them for a minute.

Gus was not as excited as they were to be out in such a snow storm. It was crazy. I cant remember seeing snow flakes that size, EVER.

The boys kept sticking their tongues out in hopes that one of those big flakes would land on it.

This was such a neat snow storm. It covered the ground pretty fast with these Ginormous Flakes!!

Welcome Home Spud!!!

Spencer is home!! Oh how 2 years has flown by. It has been so fun to have him serving a full time mission in the Ukraine, and setting such a great example for my boy's. He is such a stud!!

We were invited to the airport to welcome him home tonight. His flight was supposed to arrive at 8:15pm, but we were surprised at about 7:45, when a woman approached my sister in law Tiffani and asked if we were waiting for some LDS Missionaries. She said we were and the woman told her that they were on her flight and they were waiting to be the last people to walk out into the lobby area. (There was 1 other Elder that flew into Utah with Spencer.)

It wasn't 2 minutes later that we could see Spencer walking toward us. He hadn't changed a bit. He was smiling from ear to ear as Tiffani, Sarah and Sage all ran towards him. They hugged him so tight. Next was John who gave him a nice big hug. You could see the love in Spencer's face as he hugged his Dad. Then he saw his brother Shaun and they hugged as well. It was so neat to watch the excitement that he had to see his family. Spencer made the rounds telling everyone Hello, giving them a hug and posing for pictures.

It was so neat to be a part of this incredible night. Jake and Jackson were so excited to be there and see Spencer. It was a great experience that I hope they will remember and cherish. I hope they retain the feeling they felt that night, knowing that Spencer had served a 2 year mission for our Heavenly Father, he had loved it and done a Great job!! What a Super example he is for Jake and Jackson. My wish is that they will follow in Spencer's footsteps and do the same!!

1st Grade Valentines Party

What a day! I once again became the room mother for Jackson's 1st grade class, which means I am in charge of the parties. Thank goodness his class was only in charge of the Valentine's treats this time. (I think it was in part because Jackson's teacher is 7 months pregnant, and it would remove some stress from her, and me.) I was worried about being at Jackson's party and running to take pictures of Jake at his dance, I didn't know how that would work. Thankfully Travis said he would come and help out with either party.

I love the little 1st graders. They are all so darn cute. Jackson has made some really good friends this year, and even thinks some of the girls in his class are CUTE!! He is so lucky because he gets to sit next to the 2 he likes the most. (Macy has the brown hair and Maybe has the blonde hair.) They are both such nice girls and they all get along well together as a group.

Jackson was so excited to have his Dad at the party to help. I mean Mom is cool, but Dad is a treat!! It was cute to see Travis even enjoying the kid's as well. I know he had a good time, even if he say's he didn't. We know the truth!!

What a cute boy, and a fun party. Happy Valentine's Day T- Money!!!

6th Grade Valentine Dance!!

Look at this, Jake's first school dance!! I can remember when I had my first school dance, the awkwardness, the shyness, and the cooties!! This was nothing like that. The 6th grade teachers have been teaching the kid's all different types of dances this year, and this was their chance to do them together. They only had to dance together for a little bit, and for the most part they could stand where they wanted and by whom ever they pleased. It was fun to watch the kids separate the gym, with girls on one side and boy's on the other, purely by choice. (This will change someday, I dread.)

Jake was sure to find his friends Tyler Ferrin, and Dawson Dereono, when it came time for the line dancing and the Electric Slide. He had such a fun time at the dance, and looked so handsome all dressed up in his Sunday best. I am so blessed to be able to spend the time that I do at the school with my boy's. It is so nice to know the kid's, as well as the teachers.

Jake you are such a good boy! You have a big heart, as well as the ability to make other's feel cared or. You are such a blessing to me, and although you are growing fast, you will always be my little guy!!

Happy Valentine's Day Jaker-T!!

Jake meet's Colorado Buck!!

For those of you that don't know who Colorado Buck is, he is a Professional Hunter that has his own show on the Sportsman's channel, on T.V. Jake has always liked watching his show "Where in the World is Colorado Buck."
Today Jake went with Travis back to the Hunting Expo, so that Travis could pay for his African Hunting trip. Jake is so excited for Travis to go on this trip and hasn't stopped talking about it yet. So, when Travis asked if he would like to ride back to Salt Lake and go with him to pay for the hunt, Jake said "YES!"
After they had paid for the hunt, Jake and Travis walked around the show a bit longer, and while walking around, they ran into Colorado Buck. Jake was so excited. Travis said "You would have thought he had just caught a glimpse of the most famous celebrity in the world." He kept asking Travis if he could have his picture taken with Colorado, of course he could. Colorado saw Jake waiting for his turn to have his picture taken, and Travis said he walked right up to him, shook his hand, asked him his name, and started a conversation with him. He told Jake to keep hunting and to keep his love of the outdoors. He was impressed with Jake's knowledge of the wildlife as well. He then took the time to pose for a picture with Jake, and by the size of Jake's smile, you can tell how Awesome this moment was!

A Day at the Sportsman's Hunting Expo

Each year we spend a day at the Sportsman's Hunting Expo in Salt Lake City. This year was n exception. I actually enjoy going to these hunting shows and watching the boy's (including Travis) as we walk around and see all the latest and greatest in hunting and outdoor accessories. This year we were so excited to see all the HUGE Bucks, and Elk, as well as the African animals as well. It was really fun to talk with alot of the vendors that were there, and learn about their hunting packages and which hunt would be the best. Travis even signed up for an African Hunt that he will go on later this year. YEAH!!

What a fun day we had, and we look forward to the coming year for the African Hunt. I can hardly believe that this is the year Travis has finally decided to fulfill this dream!!

These are some HUGE folding camp chairs that the boys climbed into for a cute picture.

Jackson was a little scared to go and stand by the bear, which is why it is just Travis and Jake!! I told him it wasn't real, but it didn't convince him.

This guy by the Hippo is the guy that Travis booked his African Hunt with. His name is Gideon, and he is one of the most famous rugby players in South Africa. He was really nice and was excited that Travis had decided to go on this hunt.

Can you see the Relation?

Family Faces are Magic Mirrors looking at people who belong to us,
we see the Past, Present, and Future.
Carl Lumet Buckley

Generations.......

While visiting with my Grandma the other day, she was going through some of her pictures of her life. I was so excited to see these photo's that she had, because this was the first time I was able to connect my Grandma with her parents, as well as her Grandparents. (My Great Great Grandparents)

The picture of the man and woman that are separate next to the picture of my Grandma as a child, are her parents, my Great Grandpa and Grandma Breagger. The picture of the couple on the wagon by the tree, as well as the picture diagonally to the left, are her Grandparents Christensen, and the picture of the couple on the bottom with the man in overalls, are her Grandparents Breagger. (Both are my Great Great Grandparents)

The other picture's are of my Grandmother through out various times in her life. She was, and still is such a beautiful woman. She looks gorgeous in so many of her pictures, these are just a few that I found special to me.

My Grandma has never cared to have her picture taken, and doesn't like the way she looks in any of them. I have told her that I don't understand why, she is a beautiful woman. She laughs and says "Oh, I don't think so." But I do know so!!!

What a blessing I feel these picture's are. I am so glad that I happened to stop and see my Grandma on the day that she was sorting through these pieces of my history. I am truly a product of a Great Family Tree.

Jackson's Haircut

I can hardly believe this day has come. Jackson has been growing his hair for the past 8 months, and today we are cutting it off.

Jackson and I had been talking about when he was going to cut his hair and he decided that he would cut it after the Super Bow, since he has been growing it to be like Troy Polamalu's. He thinks he is the best football player ever.

Well the Steeler's lost the Super Bowl, and I thought for sure that Jackson would change his mind and not want to cut his hair, but to my surprise he was still in favor of doing it. I think it had a little to do with some of the razzing he was getting from some of our friends as well as getting mistaken for a girl twice in the same day.

Travis and Jake were both gone tonight, so Jackson and I decided we would go and get the hair cut, and surprise them both when they got home. Jake was at a Jazz game with his friend Jeron and Travis was out of town for work. Jackson was so excited to be able to surprise them with this transformation.

He sat so quietly in the chair as the girl cut his hair. He kept looking in the mirror and inspecting the job she was doing. I have to say he was really brave, I on the other hand had a little harder time watching the big chunks of hair fall to the floor. I knew he would look so cute, but it was really a change after 8 months of long, shaggy hair.

When she got finished the girl asked Jackson if he would like his hair spiked, (it was still a little long for spiking) of course Jackson said "Yes." He looks so cute. I told him it was like having a new little boy. We stopped at Bella Mexican Restaurant to eat some dinner, just Jackson and I, before heading home for the big SuRpRiSe!!

Jake came home from the game and Jackson had a hat on his head to cover his hair, when Jake had his back turned he took off the hat, and Jake turned around and about fell over. He was so shocked. He ran over and rubbed Jackson's head and was shocked that Jackson had cut it off. When Travis got home Jackson pulled the same trick and Travis was also just as surprised as Jake. It was really fun to watch Jackson reveal his new look to both Jake and Travis. We all laughed and couldn't stop looking a Jackson, and even rubbing his head a bit.

Jackson weather your hair is long or short you are such a handsome little guy. You have been told many times "It's not what's outside that matters, but what's inside that counts." You shine from within, and are such a tender heart. I am so grateful I have had the opportunity to share in this monster of a surprise with you tonight. Just remember hair grows back, but these are the moments that last. I love you my "short haired" Prince!!

Happy Birthday Emma Jo....

Tonight we were invited to go swimming for Emma Jo's birthday. It was alot of fun to be able to go swimming in February. Jake and Jackson had so much fun swimming and playing with their cousins at the pool in Tremonton.

Jake was extra brave tonight, as he jumped off the High Dive!! He is usually timid, but he climbed right up and off he went. It was also fun to get Travis and Troy in on some of the events in the pool. Troy jumped off the diving board, but Travis refused.

All the kids were swimming together and so Sharon and I had the great idea to line up on the wall and all jump in together. Well the Dad's kept jumping early, hence the 2 shot's!! Ha Ha!

What a fun night we have had celebrating with Emma. She is such a cutie, and we love her smile!! She is always so happy to see Travis and I. She will grab our hand or finger and just look at you and smile. She truly has such a wonderful spirit about her. Happy Birthday Emma, and thanks for the super fun night we have had swimming with you!!

Super Bowl XLV.....

Go Steeler's, Beat Green Bay!!!!

Jackson was so excited for this Super Bowl. His favorite team, the Pittsburgh Steelers, were playing. This meant that he would also be able to watch his favorite player, Troy Palomalu, as well. He was so excited the entire day. He painted his face, got on his Jersey, and even his Steeler's Hat.

Before the game we had a yummy dinner with our Great Friends and Neighbors (the Tanner's, Cody, Debbie, and the Palmer's. The Tanner's are always so nice to have us all come and enjoy the game at their house.

After we were all stuffed to the brim, we settled in for the game. Scott and Cindy were also wearing their Steeler Attire, and even waving their Terrible Towels in approval. It was so much fun to watch the game, and the commercials. They make some of the funniest commercial during the Super Bowl.

It was a great game, and even though the Steeler's lost, it was a fun time hanging with friends and cheering with Jackson for his favorite team, and player.

Happy Birthday Sage

Happy Birthday Sage!!

Today we went up to wish Sage a Happy Birthday, and spend a little time with her.

Jake and Jackson have so much fun playing with Sage. I don't think 2 days go by that I don't hear, "Can we call Sage to play." If only we lived closer again. When we lived in Huntsville Jake and Jackson could go and play almost every day, but ever since we moved to Ogden, it gets a little harder to find the time.

We love Sage so much, and are so grateful to her for the wonderful cousin that she is. She is such a fun girl, and a great example as well.

The Boy's First Jazz Game

Tonight we took the boy's to their first Jazz Basketball Game.

I know it is quite sad that Jake is almost 12 and this is his very first Jazz game. I kept thinking while we were sitting there that we should have taken him when the Jazz were good, and given him the opportunity to see Karl Malone ad John Stockton play. But we didn't and so I am grateful we took him tonight.

We got invited by some friends of ours who have kids the same age as Jake and Jackson. Jake is good friends with their son Jeron, so it was an extra fun night for him to have a friend to sit with and talk to during the game as well.

Before we went to the game we stopped in Bountiful for some dinner at a place named Robintino's. They have great pizza, and it was alot of fun to visit with each other.

The Jazz played the Houston Rockets and ended up loosing by 1 point in the last 10 seconds of the game. Although our seats were 3 rows from the top, it was such a fun night.

I couldn't help but laugh at Jackson, as he would cheer for the team. He got so into it! He even was yelling the "DEFENSE" chant that is shouted.

It has been such a fun night. The boy's weren't even tired as we drove home at 10:30pm, on a school night. I did however hear the "Can I stay home from school tomorrow", plea. To which I said "No"!

I am so glad we finally decided to take the boy's to the Jazz game. Thank you Johnson Family for the invite, and the super fun night out!!